SR-22 (insurance)

In the United States, an SR-22 (sometimes referred to as a certificate of insurance^[a] or a financial responsibility filing)^[1][2] is a vehicle liability insurance document required by most state departments of motor vehicles (DMV) offices^[b] for "high-risk" insurance policies.^[3] An SR-22 is not an insurance policy, but a filing, or an add-on, that is added to a personal automobile liability insurance policy. Not all insurance carriers offer SR-22 filings in all territories. For instance, an insurer may offer traditional base coverage in a particular state but not issue an SR-22 in that state.^[4]

A DMV may require an SR-22 from a driver to reinstate his or her driving privileges following an uninsured car accident or conviction of another traffic-related offense, such as a DUI.^[5][6] An SR-22 may be required for three years for conviction of driving without insurance or driving with a suspended license and up to five years for a DUI.^[7] If an SR-22 should expire or be canceled, the insurance company is required to issue an SR-26 form, which certifies the cancellation of the policy.^[4][7]

Some states accept an SR-22 as an alternative to a deposit in cash or security as proof of financial responsibility. In Arizona, for instance, a driver seeking reinstatement under specific circumstances may submit an SR-22 in lieu of depositing $40,000 in cash or certificates of deposit.^[8] The same applies in Washington State where you may submit an SR-22 instead of a liability bond of at least $60,000 from any surety or bonding company that is licensed to operate in Washington.^[9]

See also

• Automobile safety
• Drunk driving in the United States
• National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act
• Uniform Vehicle Code

Notes

1. The term "certificate of insurance" has other meanings outside of vehicle insurance. Some states may use different forms in place of, or in addition to, the SR-22 to provide certificates of vehicle liability insurance or proof of financial responsibility.
2. As of 2011, the only states that did not use SR-22 forms were Delaware, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania.^[3]